Business

10 Things Smart Entrepreneurs Never Leave Home Without

Entrepreneurs say instinct can only get them so far in building a successful business. That’s why they rely on a combination of technologies and practical items for not only their day-to-day business needs, but also their long-term success. Here are some of those items.

1. Something to Write With

First, always have something to write with. Whether it is the old-fashioned pen and paper or your new, fancy iPad mini, make sure you are always jotting down ideas, thoughts, reminders and concepts. Don't assume you'll remember it later, because you probably won't. Having everything written down will improve your odds of implementing those ideas successfully. — Jeremy Lyman, co-owner of Birch Coffee

2. Business Cards

You never know who you are going to meet and what opportunities may come your way. In those chance encounters, you’ll need to whip out your card and give it to a potential client. — Natalie Maniscalco, CEO and founder of RETRO Media

Never leave home without a book. I recently spoke to a small business and entrepreneurship class at a local college. The kids asked what my No. 1 piece of advice was. My answer: “Learn to love to learn.” Things move so quickly today that the moment you become complacent, your business is dead in the water. — Anna DiTommaso, creative director at Creative80 Design Studios

4. MacBook Air

My MacBook Air has taken some serious falls, but it still works great. Having a lighter machine in my bag makes moving between co-working spaces a whole lot easier. — Vlad Gyster, CEO and co-founder of H.Engage

5. Headphones

I just purchased a pair of earphones, and now I always need to have them with me, as it helps me when I work or need to relax. — Derek Capo, CEO of Next Step China

6. Smartphone

I can check my calendar, make phone calls, respond to emails, send an invoice and even check our analytics and social media accounts on the fly. — Marjorie Asturias, president of Blue Volcano Media

7. Smartphone Charger

A small business owner or entrepreneur should never leave home without his or her smartphone charger. Smartphone batteries never seem to last as long as they need to, so having a charger on hand can keep your phone running and give you continued access to your email, contacts, calendar, key documents, etc.) — Howard Sherman, founder of Royal Geeks

8. A Digital Recorder

Good ideas often come to many people at the same time, and unfortunately, those ideas are often lost. A good idea only has value if it is executed first. If you carry a digital recorder in your pocket, you can quickly and easily record good ideas as they occur — on the airplane, in your car or while you’re walking down the sidewalk. When you get back to the office, you can plug the recorder into your computer and quickly recapture your thoughts. With permission, you can also capture others’ great thoughts during important or detailed conversations. – Daniel Steenerson, president and CEO of Disability Insurance Services

9. Backup Software

I do a lot of public speaking and always have my own computer and memory stick with relevant files, and I email my presentation to another person who will be at the event. I also have my own slide advancer and miniature projector in case the on-site equipment fails. — Christopher Schrader, president of Schrader and Associates

10. A Plan

A person should never leave the house without a plan for the day. Whether it’s grocery shopping or meeting a client for lunch, a plan for the day guides you in a meaningful direction. Any successful businessperson needs orientation toward planning and knowing what they’re going to accomplish. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be open to spontaneity. But knowing what you’re going to do and who you’re going to meet — and having an idea of what you’re going to discuss — are crucial. Know your time horizon, delivery and milestones, and have a plan for objectives and quantifiable deliverables. – Charley Polachi, partner and co-founder of Polachi Access Executive Search

Mashable
is a global, multi-platform media and entertainment company. Powered by its own proprietary technology, Mashable is the go-to source for tech, digital culture and entertainment content for its dedicated and influential audience around the globe.